Thanks for posting, it was an interesting read. I agree with the premise "stoicism is not a sufficient philosophy for a good life, only a survivable one."
The rest of the article seems like a misinterpretation of Stoic ideas. For example "Our emotions and intuitions are not something to be set aside" which I think the stoics would agree with: "Don’t let the force of an impression when it first hits you knock you off your feet; just say to it, “Hold on a moment; let me see who you are and what you represent. Let me put you to the test." – Epictetus. Initial emotions should not be 'set aside' but should be 'seen for who they are and what they represent'.
He admits that "Learning to tame your emotions through willpower is helpful, but your emotions themselves are still an asset." Which sounds stoic to me?
Finally he provides an alternative "Instead to live well we must learn to create things outside ourselves, through ritual and poesy." Why ritual and poesy? Why not philosophy? I would love to know the reasoning behind this but none is provided.
My knowledge of Stoicism is limited, but I think my criticism is on the mark. I'd love to hear the opinions of more informed HN people.
brutusborn|3 years ago
The rest of the article seems like a misinterpretation of Stoic ideas. For example "Our emotions and intuitions are not something to be set aside" which I think the stoics would agree with: "Don’t let the force of an impression when it first hits you knock you off your feet; just say to it, “Hold on a moment; let me see who you are and what you represent. Let me put you to the test." – Epictetus. Initial emotions should not be 'set aside' but should be 'seen for who they are and what they represent'.
He admits that "Learning to tame your emotions through willpower is helpful, but your emotions themselves are still an asset." Which sounds stoic to me?
Finally he provides an alternative "Instead to live well we must learn to create things outside ourselves, through ritual and poesy." Why ritual and poesy? Why not philosophy? I would love to know the reasoning behind this but none is provided.
My knowledge of Stoicism is limited, but I think my criticism is on the mark. I'd love to hear the opinions of more informed HN people.
Trasmatta|3 years ago